Friction Force Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the friction force calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Friction Force

friction = mu * normal_force

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
muCoefficient of Friction0.5
normal_forceNormal Force(N)100

How It Works

Friction Force

Friction opposes relative motion between two surfaces in contact.

Formula

f = mu * N

where mu is the coefficient of friction (static or kinetic) and N is the normal force perpendicular to the surface.

Worked Example

A 10 kg box on a flat floor has a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.5.

mu = 0.5normal_force = 98.1
  1. 01Normal force N = m * g = 10 * 9.81 = 98.1 N
  2. 02f = mu * N
  3. 03f = 0.5 * 98.1
  4. 04f = 49.05 N

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Friction Force Calculator